SBI provides debit cards that can be used not only within India but also across the world. However, by default, the international usage feature on your SBI debit card is kept disabled for security reasons. If you wish to shop online on international websites, withdraw cash abroad, or make global payments, you need to manually enable international transactions on your SBI debit card. 

Step-by-step process explained to enable international transactions through SBI YONO, Net Banking, and SMS banking services. 

Simple Ways to Activate International Usage on SBI Debit Card 

1. Enable via SBI YONO App 

The SBI YONO mobile app provides the quickest way to activate global usage. 

Steps: 

  1. Log in to the SBI YONO app using your credentials. 

  2. Go to “Service Request” → “Debit Card Services”. 

  3. Select the debit card for which you want to enable transactions. 

  4. Click on “Manage Usage”. 

  5. Toggle the option for “International Usage” to ON. 

  6. Confirm using OTP sent to your registered mobile number. 

Your card will now be ready for international transactions instantly. 

2. Enable via SBI Net Banking 

If you prefer using a computer, you can enable it through SBI Net Banking. 

Steps: 

  1. Visit the official SBI Net Banking portal and log in. 

  2. Navigate to e-Services → ATM Card Services → Manage Usage. 

  3. Choose your SBI debit card. 

  4. Select International Usage – ON. 

  5. Authenticate using OTP sent to your registered number. 

Once enabled, you can use your card for both online international payments and ATM withdrawals abroad. 

3. Enable via SMS Banking 

For those without internet access, SBI also allows activation via SMS. 

Steps: 

  1. From your registered mobile number, type and send an SMS in the format below: 

SWON INTL  

Example: SWON INTL 1234 

  1. Send it to 9223966666. 

  1. You will receive a confirmation SMS once international usage is activated. 

Important Points to Remember 

  • International transactions are disabled by default to protect customers from fraud. 

  • Enabling international usage allows: 

  • ATM withdrawals abroad. 

  • POS machine payments in foreign countries. 

  • Online shopping on international websites. 

  • Some cards may have daily withdrawal and transaction limits—check your card’s eligibility. 

  • Always disable the feature when not in use by sending: 

SWOFF INTL to 9223966666 or via YONO/Net Banking. 

Benefits of Enabling International Transactions on SBI Debit Card 

  • Access to funds while traveling abroad. 

  • Easy global online shopping (Amazon Global, Netflix, international subscriptions, etc.). 

  • Cashless transactions in multiple currencies. 

  • Secure OTP-based authentication system. 

Enabling international transactions on your SBI debit card is simple and can be done in a few steps via SBI YONO app, Net Banking, or SMS banking. To stay safe, only activate this feature when required and disable it afterward. This ensures you enjoy the convenience of global payments without compromising on security.